The verification tag was traditionally used by Twitter to confirm the authenticity of an account, indicating that it belongs to the person or organisation it claims to represent. It has become a status symbol, particularly for individuals, to enhance their credibility on social media. However, Twitter has now asked anyone who desires the blue tick to pay $8 (about N5,000) monthly or $84 (N52,900) annually to use the Twitter Blue service, which comes with additional features.
The verification tags of President Muhammadu Buhari and the federal government’s accounts were spared. Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo was not spared in the verification shake-up. With over 40 million estimated users in Nigeria, the move has been criticised by several users who have questioned the controversial decision by Mr Musk to change the verification system on the platform.
The removal of the blue ticks also affects government officials, journalists, and celebrities who rely on social media to interact with their followers and reach a wider audience. It is unclear whether Twitter will restore the verified status of the affected accounts or what criteria will be used to determine the eligibility of accounts for verification in the future.
The shake-up in the verification system is not limited to Nigeria, as Twitter has also been removing verification tags from accounts in other countries. Twitter had announced earlier in the month that the “final date for removing legacy blue checks is April 20.”